MIDI Settings
Configure MIDI input/output routing, channel mapping, and Ableton Link.
FUNC1 → Settings → MIDI Settings
MIDI Ports
The tbd 16 has four physical MIDI paths, each with independent In and Out settings:
| Port | Description |
|---|---|
| TRS MIDI 1 In / Out | UART MIDI port 1 (TRS Type A) |
| TRS MIDI 2 In / Out | UART MIDI port 2 (TRS Type A) |
| USB Host In / Out | USB-A port (connect a class-compliant MIDI controller) |
| USB Device In / Out | USB-C port (connect to a computer) |
Use ↑/↓ to navigate, turn a knob to change the mode for each port.
Port Modes
Each In or Out can be set to:
| Mode | Passes |
|---|---|
| None | Nothing — the port is disabled |
| Sync | Clock and transport only (start/stop/continue) |
| Notes | Note On/Off and CC messages |
| Sy+No | Everything (sync + notes) |
Status indicators
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
< | Valid MIDI received in the last 200 ms |
! | MIDI received but ignored (mode setting) |
> | MIDI sent in the last 200 ms |
MIDI Channel Routing
Tracks map to specific MIDI channels:
| Tracks | MIDI Channel | Voice type |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Channel 10 | Drums |
| 4–6 | Channel 11 | Drums |
| 7–8 | Channel 12 | Rompler |
| 9–11 | Channels 1–3 | Mono synth |
| 12 | Channel 4 | Wavetable |
| 13 | Channel 5 | Rompler / Arp |
| 14–15 | Channels 6–7 | Poly synth |
| 16 | Channel 8 | Audio input |
When a track plays, the note is sent internally to the engine and also to all enabled MIDI output ports simultaneously. Each output filters messages based on its configured mode.
Ableton Link
Ableton Link keeps the tbd 16 in sync with other Link-enabled apps and devices over WiFi or the USB network.
| Mode | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Off | Link disabled, internal clock only |
| Tempo | Sync BPM with Link peers |
| Tmp+ST | Sync BPM + start/stop with Link peers |
Requires an active network connection (Access Point mode or USB Network mode — see WiFi Settings). The first device to join a session sets the initial tempo; any peer can change tempo.
Link works alongside MIDI clock, but avoid running two tempo sources at once — pick one master.
MIDI CC mapping
Individual sound parameters can be driven by external MIDI CC messages:
- On the Sound screen, hold SHIFT and click a knob
- The MIDI CC Map editor opens for that parameter
- Assign a CC number to match your external controller
The mapped parameter will then respond to incoming CC on the channel its track is bound to.